Many ask, what compels people to explore Antarctica? The answer is simple, Antarctica is nature in its purest state; her power and beauty are at once humbling, confronting and exhilarating. Antarctica is the most isolated continent on the planet and is home to gigantic icebergs, mountain ranges, and penguins. It's a trip of a live time and once you go, you'll be hooked and will want to return. There’re many tour operators that can take you to Antarctica, but the one we use is Aurora Expeditions. Aurora is a leading Australian owned adventure and educational travel company that specializes in taking small groups of people to remote and exciting destinations. Aurora Expeditions is an efficient and professional operator for this type of demanding trip. Your base of operation for this excursion will be the comfortable and sturdy Polar Pioneer.

Expedition Price Includes:

Ship’s accommodation and use of all public areas (open to all passengers). All meals on board ship. All shore excursions from the ship including the use of Zodiacs. Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services. Medical services. There is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board. Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities. Pre-departure information and briefing.

NOT Included in Expedition Price:

Air transport and airport transfers before and after the cruises. Visa, passport and vaccination charges and airport departure taxes. Hotels and meals not included in ship cruise itinerary. Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, personal travel insurance, items of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls. Emergency evacuation charges. Customary end of voyage tips. Itinerary for Across the Antarctic Circle:

Day 1 We board our ship Polar Pioneer in Ushuaia in the afternoon, then sail down the Beagle Channel in the evening. Day 2 Overnight, weather permitting, we will have travelled into Drake Passage. During the day we will begin last minute preparation for our time ashore on Antarctica. Day 3 We expect to cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of Antarctica, and may see our first icebergs. In the evening we approach the South Shetland Islands and, if we have had a quick passage, make our first landing and perhaps our first dive (if dive option selected). Day 4 - 9 For six days we plan to explore the western flanks of the Antarctic Peninsula as far south as the Antarctic Circle, where the waters abound with whales at this time of the season. We hope to enter the magical Crystal Sound and, if ice conditions are favorable, to navigate a passage into Marguerite Bay through a very narrow channel called The Gullet. Day 10 From Anvers and Brabant Islands, we head north into Drake Passage. Day 11 At Sea. Our last day of lectures and the final opportunity to enjoy the seabirds of the Southern Ocean. A cruise past Cape Horn (weather permitting, of course) and a farewell dinner provide a fitting finale. Day 12 We travel up the Beagle Channel to disembark in Ushuaia. Farewell new found friends as we follow our separate paths. For those staying in Ushuaia, the rest of the day can be spent at leisure in "The Town At The End Of The World".